Lafia, Nasarawa State | June 9, 2026 – The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) convened employers, government representatives, and young professionals at the NJFP 2.0 Nasarawa Employer and Fellow Engagement, reinforcing efforts to connect talented young Nigerians with meaningful workplace opportunities and strengthen workforce development in the state. Held at the Nasarawa Investment and Development Agency (NASIDA) headquarters in Lafia, the engagement brought together Host Organisations and NJFP Fellows in a practical, solutions-oriented session. This session was designed to strengthen employer participation, address workforce needs, and accelerate fellowship placements across Nasarawa State.

The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) is an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria, funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The programme addresses youth unemployment and underemployment by connecting talented Nigerian graduates with structured workplace opportunities that provide practical experience, skills development, coaching, and mentoring.
Nigeria continues to face a significant workforce transition challenge, with more than 600,000 graduates entering the labour market annually while many employers report persistent gaps in workplace readiness. Through state-level engagements such as this, NJFP is helping to bridge the gap between education and employment by creating stronger connections between employers and young talent.

Speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Delivery and Coordination, Mr. Akubo Adegbe, emphasised the Federal Government's commitment to expanding opportunities for young Nigerians through collaboration between government, employers, and development partners.

"Nigeria does not have a talent deficit; it has an opportunity deficit. Across Nasarawa State and indeed across the country, there are talented young people with the intelligence, creativity, and determination to succeed. What many need is access to opportunity, workplace experience, professional networks, and the confidence that comes from being trusted to contribute. Programmes such as NJFP help bridge that gap and demonstrate what is possible when government, employers, and development partners work together to invest in human capital and economic growth."

The engagement featured programme updates, direct interview sessions, and structured matching opportunities across key sectors including Agriculture, Technology, Government, Education, Business, Engineering, Sciences, Environment, Energy, Healthcare, Social Sciences and Creative Services.

Clare Henshaw, Head of the Inclusive Growth Unit, UNDP Nigeria and NJFP Programme Lead, highlighted the importance of strengthening local workforce ecosystems through collaboration.
"Workforce development happens where opportunity meets talent. This engagement provides a platform for employers and fellows to connect directly, discuss workforce needs, and identify pathways for placement, mentorship, and professional growth. Our goal is to ensure that talented young Nigerians have access to meaningful opportunities while helping employers build the workforce they need to grow and succeed."

Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Nasarawa State Information Technology and Digital Economy Agency (NASITDEA), Mr. Haruna Sani Sani, commended the impact of the programme on both the agency and the state's broader development agenda.

"The Government of Nasarawa State remains committed to creating opportunities that enable our young people to thrive. Through our participation in the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme, we have witnessed firsthand the value that fellows bring to public institutions. Their innovation, professionalism, digital skills, and fresh perspectives have contributed meaningfully to our work and strengthened our capacity to deliver results. We look forward to expanding these opportunities and continuing our partnership with NJFP to empower more young people across the state."

The NJFP 2.0 Nasarawa Employer and Fellow Engagement represents another important step in strengthening state-level workforce ecosystems and advancing a demand-driven approach to youth employment. By bringing employers and young professionals together, the programme continues to support inclusive economic growth while helping talented Nigerians transition more quickly into productive careers.